IVC Filter with Translating Hooks

ABSTRACT

A filter with translating hooks is described. The filter can include strut members having first and second struts connected by a connecting portion. A translating hook is disposed adjacent the connecting portion of the strut members, the hook including a first elongate member attached at one end to the first strut and a second elongate member attached at one end to a second strut, the opposite ends of the elongate members connected together to define a tip. The translating hooks are configured to bend toward a central axis of the filter when the filter is in a collapsed configuration for delivery to a blood vessel and recovery from a blood vessel, and away from the central axis of the filter when the filter is in an expanded configuration within a blood vessel such that the hooks engage a vessel wall.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/299,300, filed Apr. 16, 2007 as a U.S. national stageapplication under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No.PCT/US2007/009215, claiming the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/797,006, filed May 2, 2006. This application is alsoa continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/009,727,filed Jan. 19, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,350, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/966,203, filed Dec.28, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,580, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/079,155, filed Feb. 20, 2002, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,331,992. Each of the aforementioned applications isincorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forthherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are devices configured for insertioninto the inferior vena cava to capture particles that may be present inthe blood stream which, if transported to, for example, the lungs couldresult in serious complications and even death. Typically, IVC filtersare utilized in patients who have a contraindication to anticoagulationor in patients developing clinically apparent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). Patients who have recently suffered fromtrauma, have experienced a heart attack (myocardial infarction), or whohave undergone major surgical procedure (e.g., surgical repair of afractured hip, etc.) may develop clinically apparent DVT. When athrombus clot loosens from the site of formation and travels to thelung, it may cause PE, a life-threatening condition. An IVC filter maybe placed in the circulatory system to intercept one or more clots andprevent them from entering the lungs. IVC filters are either permanentor retrievable.

There are many different configurations for IVC filters, including thosethat include a central hub from which extend a plurality of struts thatform filter baskets having a conical configuration, such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,258,026, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety into this application. Other IVC filter configurations utilizewires and/or frame members to form straining devices that permit flow ofblood while trapping larger particles. IVC filters are generallyconfigured for compression into a small size to facilitate delivery intothe inferior vena cava and subsequent expansion into contact with theinner wall thereof. The IVC filter may later be retrieved from thedeployed site by compressing the legs, frame members, etc., depending onthe filter configuration. Typically, an IVC filter will include hooks oranchoring members for anchoring the filter in position within theinferior vena cava. The hooks may be more elastic than the legs or framemembers to permit the hooks to straighten in response to withdrawalforces, which facilitate withdrawal from the endothelium layer of theblood vessel without risk of significant injury to the vessel wall.

One type of hook or anchoring device for an endoprosthesis is shown inU.S. Pat. No. 5,843,167, in the form of an assembly that is attached toa graft. The assembly includes anchors which are attached to a graft oneither end and which are connected by wire struts that extend along thelength of the graft. These anchors have hooks that are formed on the endof short segments of wire that are secured to the anchor. The hooks areadapted to protrude radially outwardly upon deployment of theendoprosthesis, extending a short distance beyond the bends of theanchor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,164 discloses an anchoring system thatincludes hooks to penetrate a vessel wall. The hooks are generallyprovided at each end of a stent graft, each hook having one or morebarbs thereon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,197 discloses a different type ofanchor in the form of deformable connecting members that attachcylindrical elements which together form a stent. Upon balloon expansionof the connecting members, a notched, weakened area is forced outward toform a barb to penetrate a vessel wall. U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,434discloses a plurality of projections or teeth cut away from a sheet ofmaterial, which is curled into a cylinder to form a stent. One possibledrawback to these and other anchoring systems is that the teeth or hooksattached or integrated into the grafts or stents have a tendency tocatch on the delivery sheaths or catheters during deployment. Thiscreates problematic situations in the deployment process as the teeth orhooks tear the sheath material, preventing the necessary precisionrequired in percutaneous delivery into a body lumen.

The following references relate to filters: U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,304;U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,025; U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2003/0176888; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0193209; U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0267512; and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2005/0267515, each of which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety into this application.

Applicants have recognized that it would be desirable to provide an IVCfilter that incorporates translating hooks, such that delivery to andfrom a body vessel is facilitated. Embodiments of such IVC filters aredescribed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, described herein is a filter incorporating translatinghooks. In one embodiment, a filter includes a body including a pluralityof strut members disposed about a central axis to define an outerperimeter, each of the strut members including a first strut and asecond strut, the body having a first outer perimeter in a firstconfiguration and a second outer perimeter larger than the first outerperimeter in a second configuration, and a hook disposed between thefirst and second struts of at least one of the strut members, the hookhaving a first elongate member connected to a second elongate member todefine a tip, the first elongate member having an end portion coupled tothe first strut and the second elongate member having an end portioncoupled to the second strut so that in the first configuration, the tipis oriented toward the central axis in a first direction, and in thesecond configuration, the tip is oriented away from the central axis ina second direction.

In another embodiment, a filter includes a body having a plurality ofstruts, each strut having a proximal end connected to a head and adistal end, with adjacent struts connected at their distal end by aconnecting portion such that the body includes a plurality of distalconnecting portions, and at least one of the plurality of distalconnecting portions including a hook having an apex formed by thejoining of a first elongate member and a second elongate member, thefirst elongate member attached to a first of said adjacent struts andthe second elongate member attached to a second of said adjacent struts.

In one embodiment, a method of anchoring and recovering a filter in ablood vessel includes introducing the filter into a blood vessel, thefilter comprising at least one hook including first and second portionsthat are joined together at one end thereof to form a tip and that areattached respectively to different portions of a filter body at anopposite end thereof, and expanding the first and second portions todirect the tip of the hook away from a central axis defined by thefilter body such that the tip of the hook engages a wall of the bloodvessel.

These and other embodiments, features and advantages will become moreapparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to thefollowing more detailed description of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings that are first briefly described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is front perspective view of one embodiment of a filter withtranslating hooks in an expanded configuration and an enlarged view of atranslating hook.

FIGS. 1B-1C are illustrations of a strut member of the filter of FIG.1A, shown respectively in an expanded and collapsed position.

FIG. 1D is a side view of an embodiment of a strut member for a filter,shown with a hook embedded in a blood vessel wall.

FIG. 1E is a side view of another embodiment of a strut member for afilter, shown with a hook embedded in a blood vessel wall.

FIG. 1F is a side view of yet another embodiment of a strut member for afilter, shown with a hook embedded in a blood vessel wall.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a symmetrical filter withtranslating hooks, including dual retrieval members.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a filter withtranslating hooks, including a retrieval member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a filter withtranslating hooks.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a filter withtranslating hooks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description should be read with reference to thedrawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identicallynumbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, notby way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This descriptionwill clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use theinvention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presentlybelieved to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

While the examples provided herein are discussed with respect to IVCfilters, it should be appreciated that the filter embodiments describedherein could be used for filter applications that do not involve placinga filter device in the inferior vena cava. In other words, the filtersdescribed herein are not limited to IVC applications.

Further, as used herein the term “bio-resorbable” includes a suitablebiocompatible material, mixture of various biocompatible materials orpartial components of biocompatible material being altered into othermaterials by an agent present in the environment (e.g., a biodegradablematerial that degrades via a suitable mechanism such as hydrolysis whenplaced in biological tissue); such materials being removed by cellularactivity or incorporated into the cellular structure (i.e.,bioresorption, bioresorping, bioabsorption, or bioresorbable), suchmaterials being degraded by bulk or surface degradation (i.e.,bioerosion such as, for example, a water insoluble polymer that turnswater-soluble in contact with biological tissue or fluid), or suchmaterials being altered by a combination of one or more ofbiodegradable, bioerodable or bioresorbable activity when placed incontact with biological tissue or fluid.

Possible materials for the filters, or portions thereof, describedherein include a suitable biocompatible material such as, for example,stainless steel, noble metals and their alloys, shape memory metals,shape memory alloys, super elastic metal, super elastic shape memorymetal alloys, linear elastic shape memory metal, metal alloys, Phynox,Conichrome, titanium, stainless steel, shape memory polymers, polymers,bio-materials (e.g., metal alloys such as those shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,287,332 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2002/0004060, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyinto this application), and combinations thereof. The filters, orportions thereof, described herein may include an anti-stick material onone or more surfaces. Examples of anti-stick materials, include, forexample, fluorinated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, andcombinations thereof.

Where the filter is to be utilized with bio-active agents to control theformation of emboli, bio-active agents can be coated to a portion or theentirety of the filter for controlled release of the agents once thefilter is implanted. The bio-active agents can include, but are notlimited to, vasodilator, anti-coagulants, such as, for example, warfarinand heparin. Other bio-active agents can include, but are not limitedto, agents such as, for example, anti-proliferative/antimitotic agentsincluding natural products such as vinca alkaloids (i.e. vinblastine,vincristine, and vinorelbine), paclitaxel, epidipodophyllotoxins (i.e.etoposide, teniposide), antibiotics (dactinomycin (actinomycin D)daunorubicin, doxorubicin and idarubicin), anthracyclines, mitoxantrone,bleomycins, plicamycin (mithramycin) and mitomycin, enzymes(L-asparaginase which systemically metabolizes L-asparagine and deprivescells which do not have the capacity to synthesize their ownasparagine); antiplatelet agents such as G(GP) II_(b)/III_(a) inhibitorsand vitronectin receptor antagonists; anti-proliferative/antimitoticalkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards (mechlorethamine,cyclophosphamide and analogs, melphalan, chlorambucil), ethyleniminesand methylmelamines (hexamethylmelamine and thiotepa), alkylsulfonates-busulfan, nirtosoureas (carmustine (BCNU) and analogs,streptozocin), trazenes-dacarbazinine (DTIC);anti-proliferative/antimitotic antimetabolites such as folic acidanalogs (methotrexate), pyrimidine analogs (fluorouracil, floxuridine,and cytarabine), purine analogs and related inhibitors (mercaptopurine,thioguanine, pentostatin and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine {cladribine});platinum coordination complexes (cisplatin, carboplatin), procarbazine,hydroxyurea, mitotane, aminoglutethimide; hormones (i.e. estrogen);anti-coagulants (heparin, synthetic heparin salts and other inhibitorsof thrombin); fibrinolytic agents (such as tissue plasminogen activator,streptokinase and urokinase), aspirin, dipyridamole, ticlopidine,clopidogrel, abciximab; antimigratory; antisecretory (breveldin);anti-inflammatory: such as adrenocortical steroids (cortisol, cortisone,fludrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, 6α-methylprednisolone,triamcinolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone), non-steroidal agents(salicylic acid derivatives i.e. aspirin; para-aminophenol derivativesi.e. acetaminophen; indole and indene acetic acids (indomethacin,sulindac, and etodalac), heteroaryl acetic acids (tolmetin, diclofenac,and ketorolac), arylpropionic acids (ibuprofen and derivatives),anthranilic acids (mefenamic acid, and meclofenamic acid), enolic acids(piroxicam, tenoxicam, phenylbutazone, and oxyphenthatrazone),nabumetone, gold compounds (auranofin, aurothioglucose, gold sodiumthiomalate); immunosuppressives: (cyclosporine, tacrolimus (FK-506),sirolimus (rapamycin), azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil); angiogenicagents: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growthfactor (FGF); angiotensin receptor blockers; nitric oxide donors;anti-sense oligionucleotides and combinations thereof; cell cycleinhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and growth factor receptor signaltransduction kinase inhibitors; retenoids; cyclin/CDK inhibitors; HMGco-enzyme reductase inhibitors (statins); and protease inhibitors.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a filter 10 is shown, including a hub 11, aset of legs 12 and a set of strut members 13. The filter 10 isillustrated in FIG. 1A in an expanded configuration, defining anexpanded perimeter. The hub 11 may include a retrieval member (e.g., ahook-like member) to facilitate retrieval of the filter 10 from theblood vessel. Optionally, shown in phantom, the filter 10 may alsoinclude a set of arms 19, which in one embodiment are shorter in lengththan the legs 12. The arms in one embodiment have a proximal end joinedat the hub 11, extending first outwardly with respect to the centralaxis L of the filter 10 when the filter is in the expanded configurationto a shoulder and then distally with respect to the hub 11 and angularlywith respect to the shoulder. The arms 19 may provide a centeringfunction to the filter 10 and may include hooks or vessel-engagingmembers on their distal ends. Each leg 12 has a proximal end joined atthe hub 11, extending radially outward from a central axis L when thefilter 10 is in an expanded or deployed configuration, while each strutmember 13 is positioned generally parallel to the central axis L whenthe filter 10 is in an expanded configuration. In this embodiment, thereare an even number of legs 12, preferably eight, although any number oflegs is possible and within the scope of the invention. For delivery ofthe filter 10 to a blood vessel, the filter 10 is compressed to acollapsed configuration, defining a collapsed perimeter smaller than theexpanded perimeter, the set of legs 12 and set of strut members 13 beingpositioned generally parallel to the central axis L when the filter isin the collapsed configuration.

Each of the strut members 13 include a first strut 14 and a second strut16 that have a proximal end connected to a distal end of adjacent legs12 (i.e., the proximal end of the first strut 14 is connected to adistal end of one leg 12 and the proximal end of the second strut 16 isconnected to the distal end of an adjacent leg 12). The first strut 14and second strut 16 are connected at a distal end thereof by aconnecting portion 18, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A is arounded, semi-circular shape, but which in other embodiments can bevarious other shapes. The connecting portion 18 can be a separate pieceof material attached to the first and second struts 14, 16, but in thepreferred embodiment, the first strut 14, second strut 16 and connectingportion 18 are one continuous member, created through processes known toone skilled in the art (e.g., molding, laser cutting of a tube or asheet, etching, electro-discharge-machining). A hook 20 is disposedbetween the first strut 14 and second strut 16, the hook 20 including afirst elongate member 22, connected at a distal end to the first strut14, and a second elongate member 24, connected at a distal end to thesecond strut 16, the first and second elongate members 22, 24 connectedtogether at a proximal end thereof to define a tip or apex 26 as bestseen in the enlarged view of FIG. 1A. Although a hook 20 is shown inFIG. 1A between each of the strut members 13, in other embodiments onlyselect strut members 13 include a hook 20 (e.g., in a filter includingeight strut members 13, only four strut members 13 include a hook withno two adjacent strut members 13 including hooks, etc.).

The hook 20 is configured such that the tip 26 is oriented away from thecentral axis L of the filter 10 in an expanded configuration (FIG. 1B),but oriented toward the central axis L of the filter 10 in a collapsedconfiguration (FIG. 1C), such that depending on the configuration of thefilter 10, the tip 26 of the hook 20 can be oriented in differentdirections. The characteristic of the hook 20, in which the tip 26 isoriented in a different direction depending on the configuration of thefilter, can be established, for example, through material properties ofthe hook 20, positioning of the hook 20 with respect to the first andsecond struts 14, 16, and/or shape of the elongate members 22, 24 (e.g.,thickness, width, curvature, etc.) that form the hook 20. For instance,the angle formed between the first elongate member 22 and secondelongate member 24, coupled with the stiffness of the material of theelongate members 22, 24 and the shape of thereof (e.g., slightly curved,tapered, decreasing thickness from the attachment end of the elongatemembers to the tip, etc.) can contribute to the directional orientationof the tip 26 in the expanded and collapsed configurations of the filter10. Thus, the included angle defined by the tip between the expanded andcollapsed configurations of the filter 10 can be equal to, greater than,or less than 180 degrees, although the presently preferred embodiment isless than 180 degrees. The change in orientation of the hook 20depending on the configuration of the filter (i.e., expanded orcollapsed) is described herein as “translation” of the hook, such thatthe filter 10 includes one or more “translating hooks.” Examples ofembodiments of a translating hook 20 can be found in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2003/0158595, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety into this application. The potential materialsfor the hook 20 are the same as those discussed herein as possiblematerials for the filter.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the orientation of the tip 26 of the hook 20 awayfrom the central axis L when the filter 10 is in the expandedconfiguration results in the hook 20 becoming at least partiallyembedded into a blood vessel wall 2 when the filter 10 is deployed inthe blood vessel. As shown, the depth penetration limit of the hook 20is the distance D between the tip 26 and the distal end of the elongatemembers 24, 26 attached to the first and second struts 14, 16,respectively. FIG. 1F illustrates an embodiment for strut members 13 inwhich the connecting portion 18 is formed with a curvature that isoriented in a direction toward the central axis L. By orienting theconnection portion 18 away from the blood vessel wall 2, tissue ingrowthinto the strut members 13 is believed to be prevented, which facilitatesremoval of the filter 10 from the blood vessel. FIG. 1E illustrates anembodiment for strut members 13 in which an angle A is formed between aproximal section 15 and distal section 17 of the strut member 13 (i.e.,a proximal and distal section of both of first and second struts 14,16), such that the proximal section 15 of the strut member 13 is not incontact with the blood vessel wall 2, imparting a limited contact area(i.e., distal section 17) to the strut member 13. As a result, tissueingrowth into the proximal section 15 is believed to be prevented,facilitating removal of the filter 10 from the blood vessel. In theexample shown, the distal section 17 is generally parallel to thecentral axis L when the filter 10 is in the expanded configuration andthe proximal section 15 is oriented in a direction toward the centralaxis L. The angle A between the proximal section 15 and distal section17 of the strut member 13 is in the range of approximately 95 degrees toapproximately 150 degrees, preferably in the range of approximately 110degrees to approximately 130 degrees.

FIG. 2 illustrates a symmetrical retrievable filter 30, including afirst hub 38 and a second hub 48, each hub containing a retrieval member39, 49 with a hook-like configuration. The filter 30 is illustrated inan expanded configuration, defining an expanded perimeter. A first setof legs 32 extends from the first hub 38 radially outward from a centralaxis L, each leg 32 joined at a proximal end thereof to the first hub 38and at a distal end to the first set of strut members 34. In theembodiment shown, each of the strut members 34 includes a first strut 35and a second strut 36 that are proximally connected at the intersectionof the leg 32 with the strut member 34. Thus, as shown, each leg 32 andstrut member 34 together form a “Y” shape. The distal ends of the firstand second struts 35, 36 are connected to adjacent struts 36, 35,respectively, of strut members 34 at the intersection of a connectingmember 40, which lies approximately parallel to the central axis L andconnects the first strut members 34 to the second strut members 44. Eachof the second strut members 44 includes a first strut 45 and a secondstrut 46 that are proximally connected at the intersection of a leg 42with the strut member 44 (also forming a “Y” shape with the leg 42). Thedistal ends of the first and second struts 45, 46 are connected toadjacent struts 46, 45, respectively, of strut members 44 at theintersection of the connecting member 40. A second set of legs 42extends from the second hub 48 radially outward from a central axis L,each leg 42 joined at a proximal end thereof to the second hub 48 and ata distal end to the second set of strut members 44 as described.

Translating hooks 20 are attached to each of the strut members 34, 44such that a first elongate member 22 is connected at a distal end to afirst strut 35, 45 and a second elongate member 24 is connected to asecond strut 36, 46, the elongate members 22, 24 connected together at aproximal end thereof to define a tip 26. The hooks 20 may be attached toeach strut member 34, 44 or select strut members 34, 44. As shown inFIG. 2, the configuration of the filter 30 is such that the hooks 20attached to the first strut members 34 are oriented toward the hooks 20attached to the second strut members 44 and vice versa. This orientationfacilitates withdrawal of the filter 30 from a blood vessel as itpermits retrieval of the filter 30 from either a jugular or femoralapproach by using a suitable recovery device, such as, for example, acone type similar to the device shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.6,156,055, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into thisapplication. The translating hook 20 is configured such that the tip 26is oriented away from the central axis L of the filter 30 in an expandedconfiguration, but oriented toward the central axis L of the filter 30in a collapsed configuration, such that depending on the configurationof the filter 30, the tip 26 of the hook 20 can be oriented in differentdirections, as discussed above.

Filter 30 in one embodiment is cut from a tube of material, such asNitinol. The particulars of cutting a filter from a tube of material,along with exemplary embodiments of such is shown and described inInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/06003, filed Mar. 8,2007, claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/782,019, filed Mar. 14, 2006, each of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety into this application.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a filter 50 includes a set of strut members 52,each of the strut members including a first strut 54 and a second strut56. The first and second struts 54, 56 are joined at a proximal end to ahub 58, which can include a retrieval member as shown. The strut members52 can be arranged, such as shown in FIG. 3, to overlap one another suchthat the outer surface of one strut member 52 is adjacent an innersurface of an adjacent strut member 52. The distal ends of the first andsecond struts are connected to a translating hook 20, including a firstelongate member 22 and a second elongate member 24. The first strut 54is connected to the distal end of the first elongate member 22 and thesecond strut 56 is connected to the distal end of the second elongatemember 24, the elongate members 22, 24 connected together at a proximalend thereof to define a tip 26. Thus, in this embodiment, the hook 20connects the first strut 54 to the second strut 56. The elongate members22, 24 have a curved configuration in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,together with the struts 54, 56 forming a lobed configuration. Thetranslating hook 20 is configured such that the tip 26 is oriented awayfrom the central axis L of the filter 50 in an expanded configuration,but oriented toward the central axis L of the filter 50 in a collapsedconfiguration, such that depending on the configuration of the filter50, the tip 26 of the hook 20 can be oriented in different directions,as discussed above.

The first strut 54 and second strut 56 can include a proximal section 55and a distal section 57 that are angled with respect to one another suchthat an angle B is formed therebetween. Proximal section 55 extends fromthe hub 58, while distal section 57 is connected to the hook 20. Angle Bcan be different for the first and second struts 54, 56, or angle B canbe the same for the first and second struts 54, 56 in one strut member52, but different for the first and second struts 54, 56 in an adjacentstrut member. The angle B between the proximal section 55 and distalsection 57 is in the range of approximately 95 degrees to approximately170 degrees, preferably in the range of approximately 120 degrees toapproximately 150 degrees.

FIG. 4 illustrates a filter 60, including four appendages 62 connectedproximally to a hub 68. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the hub 68 caninclude a retrieval member. Also, although four appendages 62 are shownin this embodiment, the filter 60 could instead have two, three, five,six, etc. appendages. The appendages 62 include a first leg 61 and asecond leg 63, each of which have a proximal end joined at the hub 68,and extend radially outward from a central axis L when the filter 60 isin an expanded configuration (as shown). Connected to the distal ends ofeach of the legs 61, 63 is a strut member 64, including a first strut 65and a second strut 67. The proximal end of the first strut 65 isconnected via a connecting portion 69 to the first leg 61, while theproximal end of the second strut 67 is connected via a connectingportion 69 to the second leg 63. The distal ends of the first strut 65and the second strut 67 are also connected together via a connectingportion 69. The connecting portions 69 can be separate members attachedto the legs and struts and can be of different shapes and sizes;however, in the preferred embodiment, the legs, struts and connectingportions are one continuous member, created through processes known toone skilled in the art (e.g., molding, laser cutting of a tube or asheet, etc.). Thus, each appendage 62 includes three connecting portions69, which as shown in FIG. 4, are adjacent the outer perimeter of thefilter 60 in the expanded configuration.

Disposed adjacent each of the connecting portions 69 are translatinghooks 20, including elongate members 22, 24 connected together at aproximal end thereof to define a tip 26. The distal ends of the elongatemembers 22, 24 are attached respectively to first and second struts 65,67, to first leg 61 and first strut 65 and to second leg 63 and secondstrut 67 as shown. In other embodiments, translating hooks 20 aredisposed only between first and second struts 65, 67 of each appendage62, or select appendages 62. In still other embodiments, translatinghooks 20 are disposed only between legs and struts of each appendage 62or select appendages. The translating hooks 20 are configured such thatthe tips 26 are oriented away from the central axis L of the filter 60in an expanded configuration, but are oriented toward the central axis Lof the filter 60 in a collapsed configuration, such that depending onthe configuration of the filter 60, the tips 26 of the hooks 20 can beoriented in different directions, as discussed above. In addition to thetranslating hooks 20, one or more vessel engaging members may bepositioned along the length of the appendages 62.

FIG. 5 illustrates a filter 70, including a first hub 78 and a secondhub 88. Although not shown, in some embodiments, one or both of the hubs78, 88 may include a retrieval member. Extending from the first hub 78is a first set of legs 72 connected to a first set of strut members 73,the strut members 73 including a first strut 74 and a second strut 76that each have an end connected to an end of adjacent legs 72 (i.e., theend of the first strut 74 of a strut member 73 is connected to an end ofone leg 72 and the end of the second strut 76 of a strut member 73 isconnected to an end of an adjacent leg 72). The end of a first strut 74of one strut member 73 is connected to the same leg 72 as that of asecond strut 76 of an adjacent strut member 73, as shown, such that aplurality of connected cells are formed. The opposite ends of the firstand second struts 74, 76 of a strut member 73 are connected together toform the shape of a spade when the filter 70 is in an expandedconfiguration (as shown) with an end 75 that is connected to aconnecting member 80. Disposed adjacent the tips 75 are translatinghooks 20, including elongate members 22, 24 connected together at aproximal end thereof to define a tip 26. The translating hooks 20 areconfigured such that the tips 26 are oriented away from the central axisL of the filter 70 in an expanded configuration (as shown), but areoriented toward the central axis L of the filter 70 in a collapsedconfiguration, such that depending on the configuration of the filter70, the tips 26 of the hooks 20 can be oriented in different directions,as discussed above.

Extending from the second hub 88 is a second set of legs 82 connected toa second set of strut members 83, the strut members 83 including a firststrut 84 and a second strut 86 that each have an end connected to an endof adjacent legs 82 (i.e., the end of the first strut 84 of a strutmember 83 is connected to an end of one leg 82 and the end of the secondstrut 86 of a strut member 83 is connected to an end of an adjacent leg82). The end of a first strut 84 of one strut member 83 is connected tothe same leg 82 as that of a second strut 86 of an adjacent strut member83, as shown, such that a plurality of connected cells are formed. Theopposite ends of the first and second struts 84, 86 of a strut member 83are connected together to form the shape of a spade when the filter 70is in an expanded configuration (as shown) with an end 85 that isconnected to a connecting member 80. Disposed adjacent the tips 85 aretranslating hooks 20, including elongate members 22, 24 connectedtogether at a proximal end thereof to define a tip 26, the tips 26 ofthe hooks 20 configured to be oriented in different directions dependingon the configuration of the filter 70, as discussed above. Theconnecting members 80 connect the tips 75 to the tips 85 and are liegenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis in both the expanded andcollapsed configurations of filter 70. Details of the filters shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 are further shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,517,573 and 6,443,972, each of which is incorporated by reference inits entirety into this application.

One particular advantage recognized by applicants of incorporating oneor more translating hooks into a filter is that during delivery of thefilter to a blood vessel or other bodily cavity, the tips of the hooksare oriented toward the central axis of the filter such that the risk ofengaging the hooks with the introducer catheter is greatly minimized.More particularly, because the tips of the hooks are retractedcompletely away from a sheath or delivery catheter used to introduce thefilter into a body lumen, any relative movement of the sheath and thefilter will not result in undesirable events, such as tearing of thesheath or catching of the filter on the sheath, which could potentiallylead to misalignment of the filter in the vessel, release of sheathmaterial into the body, or other potentially dangerous outcomes. In oneparticular embodiment, the filter is collapsed for inserting in adelivery catheter having an inside surface defining an inside diameter(ID) of less than 9 French, such that the translating hooks are spacedapart from the inside surface of the catheter. In the same way, recoveryof a filter with translating hooks avoids the aforementioned undesirableevents; when the filter is compressed to a collapsed configuration froman expanded deployed configuration of the filter in a vessel, thetranslating hooks bend toward the central axis of the filter for saferetraction from the vessel.

The use of a shape memory material, such as Nitinol, for the arms, legs,or hooks facilitates collapsing the filter radially inward from itsnormally expanded (i.e., unconstrained) configuration toward itslongitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into abody vessel. The properties of Nitinol allow the filter members towithstand enormous deformations (e.g., eight times as much as stainlesssteel) without having any effect of the filter ability to recover to thepre-determined shape. This is due to the crystal phase transitionsbetween rigid austenite and softer martensite, which phenomenon enablesthe implant to be loaded into a very small diameter sheath for delivery,significantly reducing the potential trauma and complications to theinsertion site. Transition between the martensitic and austenitic formsof the shape memory material can be achieved by increasing or decreasingthe material deformation above and below the transition stress levelwhile the material remains above the transition temperature range,specifically Af. This is particularly important in the case of thehooks, as they may be deformed significantly (hence, becomingmartensitic) while the filter is challenged by clots. The super-elasticproperties will allow the hooks to re-assume their intended shape assoon as the load is released (e.g. the clot breaks down).

The hooks may be retrieved from the Inferior Vena Cava (“IVC”) wallduring the filter removal when longitudinal force is applied to the hubin the direction of the blood flow. Under this concentrated stress, thehooks will deform and transition to the martensitic state, therebybecoming super-elastic. Thus, the hooks are designed to bend when aspecific retrieval force is applied and spring back to their originalshape once the retrieval force is removed. Alternatively, a reduction intemperature below the Af temperature can be applied to the shape memorymaterial to cause a change in the crystalline phase of the material,thereby rendering the material malleable during loading or retrieval ofthe filter. Various techniques can be used to cause a change incrystalline phase such as, for example, cold saline, low temperaturefluid or thermal conductor.

By virtue of the characteristics of thermal shape memory material, thefilter members can be cooled below the martensitic-to-austenitictransition temperature, and then straightened and held in a collapsed,straight form that can pass through a length of fine plastic tubing withan internal diameter of approximately 2 millimeters (mm), e.g., a #8French catheter. In its high temperature form (as in a mammalian body),the filter recovers to a preformed filtering shape. Alternatively, thelegs or arms may be made of wires of spring metal which can bestraightened and compressed within a catheter or tube and will divergeinto a deployed shape when the tube is removed.

The deployed shapes and configurations of the filter members can be set(imprinted with a memory shape) by annealing the members at hightemperature (e.g. 500° C.) while holding them in the desired shape.Thereafter, whenever the filter is in the austenitic form (i.e., at atemperature above the martensitic-to-austenitic transition temperatureor Af temperature), the members return to the memory shape. Examplemethods for setting the high-temperature shape of filters are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,908, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety into this application.

This invention has been described and specific examples of the inventionhave been portrayed. While the invention has been described in terms ofparticular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to thevariations or figures described. In addition, where methods and stepsdescribed above indicate certain events occurring in certain order,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering ofcertain steps may be modified and that such modifications are inaccordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certainof the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process whenpossible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.Therefore, to the extent there are variations of the invention, whichare within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventionsfound in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover thosevariations as well. Finally, all publications and patent applicationscited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety as if each individual publication or patent applicationwere specifically and individually put forth herein.

1. A filter, comprising: a body including a plurality of strut membersdisposed about a central axis to define an outer perimeter, each of thestrut members including a first strut and a second strut, the bodyhaving a first outer perimeter in a first configuration and a secondouter perimeter larger than the first outer perimeter in a secondconfiguration; and a hook disposed between the first and second strutsof at least one of the strut members, the hook having a first elongatemember connected to a second elongate member to define a tip, the firstelongate member having an end portion coupled to the first strut and thesecond elongate member having an end portion coupled to the second strutso that in the first configuration, the tip is oriented toward thecentral axis in a first direction, and in the second configuration, thetip is oriented away from the central axis in a second direction.
 2. Thefilter according to claim 1, wherein an included angle is defined by thetip between the first and second directions of less than 180 degrees. 3.The filter according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the body andthe hook is made from a material selected from the group consistingessentially of shape memory material, alloys, super elastic material,super elastic shape memory material, Phynox, Conichrome, titanium, orstainless steel and combinations thereof.
 4. The filter according toclaim 1, wherein the first and second struts of the strut members areconnected by a connecting portion at one end.
 5. The filter according toclaim 1, wherein a distal end portion of the strut members is orientedtoward the central axis.
 6. The filter according to claim 1, wherein asurface of the body has disposed thereon an anti-stick material.
 7. Thefilter according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a set of legs,each leg attached at a proximal end thereof to a filter head and at adistal end thereof to a first strut of one strut member and a secondstrut of an adjacent strut member, the legs having a greater length thanthe first and second struts of the strut members.
 8. The filteraccording to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first set of strutmembers and a second set of strut members, each set of strut membersattached at a proximal end thereof to a filter head, wherein the firstset of strut members have a greater length than the second set of strutmembers.
 9. The filter according to claim 8, wherein an inner surface ofthe second set of strut members is adjacent an outer surface of thefirst set of strut members.
 10. The filter according to claim 1, whereinthe hook connects the first strut to the second strut.
 11. The filteraccording to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of arms extendingradially about the longitudinal axis to assist in centering the filter.12. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a firstset of legs attached at a first end thereof to a first filter head andat a second end thereof to a first set of strut members, and a secondset of legs attached at a first end thereof to a second filter head andat a second end thereof to a second set of strut members, wherein thefirst and second set of strut members are connected to a connectingmember.
 13. The filter according to claim 12, wherein the connectingmember comprises a plurality of struts arranged generally parallel tothe central axis.
 14. The filter according to claim 12, wherein thefirst and second filter heads each comprise a retrieval member.
 15. Thefilter according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a set of legs,each of the legs having a proximal end joined at a hub and a distal endattached to one of the first and second struts of the strut members. 16.The filter according to claim 15, the first and second struts connectedby a connecting portion, the legs connected to the struts by aconnecting portion, wherein a hook is disposed adjacent each of theconnecting portions.
 17. A method of anchoring and recovering a filterin a blood vessel, comprising: introducing the filter into a bloodvessel, the filter comprising at least one hook including first andsecond portions that are joined together at one end thereof to form atip and that are attached respectively to different portions of a filterbody at an opposite end thereof, and expanding the first and secondportions to direct the tip of the hook away from a central axis definedby the filter body such that the tip of the hook engages a wall of theblood vessel.
 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprisingcompressing the first and second portions to bend the hook towards thecentral axis and separate the hook from the blood vessel wall.
 19. Themethod according to claim 18, wherein the compressing comprisesretracting the filter into a recovery catheter.
 20. The method accordingto claim 17, wherein the introducing comprises inserting the filter intoa delivery catheter having an inside surface defining an inside diameterof less than 9 French with the hook spaced apart from the inside surfaceof the catheter.